Storied tradition, extensive talent will produce second state title

By Brad Engel

STAFF WRITER

  Explaining why Naperville Central will win the inaugural Class 8A state title game against Downers Grove South on Saturday compares to explaining something like why the Chicago Bulls won six NBA titles.

  Where do you start? Does focus begin with legendary guard Michael Jordan or Zen-driven coach Phil Jackson, the triangle offense or the interchangeable players that run it, the storied challenges against New York and Detroit or the undying will to win? Any would suffice as a fine beginning point, and all of them served as reasons for the Bulls' two three-peats and subsequent labeling as a dynasty.

  It's much the same in Naperville, where the Redhawks have won 38 of their last 39 games, beginning with their undefeated run to the Class 6A state title in 1999. With all new faces this season and another undefeated stretch fueling their charge, just exactly how will Central beat the momentum-driven Mustangs?

  "I will tell you (the Redhawks) are extremely well coached," Marian Catholic coach Dave Mattio said. "I've known Joe (Bunge) for a long time, and (defensive coordinator) Johnny Urban. They're phenomenal in preparing for ball games."

  This marks the beginning. For the past 16 seasons, Bunge and his coaching staff have developed a formula for winning, a task many opposing coaches have failed to complete in the DuPage Valley Conference. The Redhawks have not only survived the DVC, but have produced 15 winning seasons and competed in three state championships along the way.

  Bunge's legendary image and coaching philosophies rub off on his players, garnering their attention and extracting their ability. While talented squads have graced many Illinois teams, Bunge and his staff have found a way to consistently inspire all ofhis athletes to reach their full potential and buy into the winning tradition.

  "The feeder programs do a great job, and the coaches do a great job," Central quarterback Phil Horvath said. "We work through the summer camps. All from freshman year, we've run the same offense. I think the tradition here is so great at Naperville Central that everyone wants to play. Everyone tries their hardest, works hard in the off-season."

  Horvath and senior Jason Paquette have shared the spotlight most of the season thanks to an offensive line that accepts its role in the shadows. Bunge credits them with intelligently carrying out his zone-blocking scheme, a fixture at Central, which allows for running backs such as Paquette to choose a hole and accelerate into the open field. This has helped Paquette race to 1,402 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns. The scheme also helps protect the quarterback slightly longer, something Horvath has utilized in throwing for 2,104 yards and 24 touchdowns.

  Central's offense comes from the run, something nobody has stopped this season, or will stop this season because of an overpowering converted tailback and a competent offensive line. With this intact, Central can enjoy Horvath, an educated play-caller with exceptional accuracy downfield and a smart, timely runneron the occasional option.

  "I think right now Naperville is going to beat you with their big-play passing game," Glenbard East coach Dennis Lueck said. "You need to put pressure on the quarterback, but at the same token, you don't want them to get over the top on you because Horvath can throw the ball well. You maybe need to give up an underneath pass or two to keep them from going deep on you."

  For every defensive idea the opposition creates, it opens up another offensive advantage for Central. The same holds true for Central's defense, one that has allowedonly 8.8 points per game this year. Bunge and Urban have employed a more aggressive philosophy this season, one that places more emphasis on man-to-man coverage in the secondary while the defensive line and linebackers roam free to stop the run and pressure the quarterback.

  This year's secondary — cornerbacks John Martin, Josh Rubin, A.J. Sagen and safeties Brad Matthews and Bob Siciliano have helped induce the most interceptions of any Central squad Bunge can remember, 19 and counting. On top of that, Central rarely misses an opportunity to make points out of turnovers.

  "Defensively, we're really athletic, we defend the pass real well, we have a good secondary, a couple inside linebackers that are good and physical, and a defensive line that likes to run and get to the ball," Bunge said.

  Add a capable special teams group — one led by Spencer and Passarelli on return plays along with senior place-kicker Chris Szatko and sophomore place-kicker Chris Nendick — and Central sports a complete team just like the Chicago Bulls did in the 90s.

  This time has become Central's time — two undefeated state-championship seasons in three years, starting Saturday.

  Naperville Central RedhawksBy the numbers

Team Points scored 474 Points allowed 114 Yards rushing 2,673 Yards passing 2,128 Total yards 4,801 Rushing allowed 1,682 Passing allowed 1,269 Total allowed 2,951

Rushing Jason Paquette — 193-1,402, 21 TDs *Kyle Griffith — 105-631, 7 TDs Joel Barrenbrugge — 64-235, 2 TDs Eric Small — 38-155, 0 TDs

Passing Phil Horvath — 121-202-5 2,104, 24 TDs

Receiving Tyke Spencer — 43-786, 9 TDs Dan Passarelli — 41-804, 8 TDs Curt Benson — 11-169, 2 TDs

Kicking Chris Szatko — 58 extra points, 4 field goals* — Injured in Week 5

11/23/01